1st time DVCers @ SSR in Oct - some questions

[ChesapeakeTechie]

We are new DVC members (purchased via resale) and will be staying in a 2BR @ SSR later in October from Sun - Thurs.
Are the shampoos / soaps provided enough for a family of 5 (2 adults, 3 kids) to last until the housekeeping, which I believe is 4 days after arrival, or should we plan on bringing our own as well?
Also, the vacation planner states that the 1+ bedrooms come with dishware, and the studios come with paper plates, is this correct? Does anyone have suggestions for grocery stores close by?
Also, if we're staying at a DVC resort, is parking included at the parks? Would you suggest driving or taking the bus to the parks from SSR?

Any other tips for first timers would be helpful!

Thanks!

 

[oakmanner]

We're going in October as well...

Dennis-

 

[mac6115cd]

First: You'll LOVE the 2BR. Once you stay, you'll never want to stay in a hotel again.

Depending on how much you use, the shampoo/soap should last until housecleaning comes, but I always bring my own (habit from business travel).

Your kitchen has a dishwasher, microwave and full-size refridgerator. We usually use the provided plates and silverware, then clean them in the dishwasher.

Your 2BR also has a combo washer/dryer with one box of Tide. If you think you'll need more, I suggest going to a laundromat and buying individual boxes.

We used the grocery service provided by SSR. There was a small fee, but it sure was nice not having to go to the grocery upon arrival. You can download the order form from the DVC members site.

Parking is included at SSR.

When we stayed, we used the busses - just call and see if you can request a room near a stop - makes walking easier.

 

[CarolMN]

I would definitely bring shampoo - maybe SSR is different, but the BWV gets those little travel size bottles of bar soap, shampoo, conditioner and lotion. You'll find them in both bathrooms, but I don't think it's enough for 2 adults and 3 kids, even if it does get replenished on trash & towel day.

 

[ChesapeakeTechie]

First: You'll LOVE the 2BR. Once you stay, you'll never want to stay in a hotel again.

We're very excited and have heard great things about DVC. We first took the tour about a year and a half ago and ended up buying resale because we're only planning on going every other year. Will give a report back

We used the grocery service provided by SSR. There was a small fee, but it sure was nice not having to go to the grocery upon arrival. You can download the order form from the DVC members site.

Parking is included at SSR.

When we stayed, we used the busses - just call and see if you can request a room near a stop - makes walking easier.

We'll have our own car and will probably hit the grocery store before we check in. Any suggestions for close-by stores would be welcome! Is Parking also included at all of the parks when we stay @ SSR?
Are there any more desirable buildings to request?

Thanks!

 

[dvc_john]

Is Parking also included at all of the parks when we stay @ SSR?

Yes, parking is included whenever you're staying onsite. This includes all Disney hotels as well as DVC resorts. They will give you a parking pass to put on the dash when you check-in. This will get you thru all the parking gates at the parks.

 

[vicki_c]

I don't know what the closest grocery is, but I prefer Publix in Florida. I always recommend avoiding Gooding's because it's really expensive.

I hope you enjoy your trip - we loved SSR!

 

[K9pal]

In each bathroom you'll receive a 1.25 oz bottle of shampoo, conditioner, and bath gel. And of course, facial and bath soap. Since you'll have 2 bottles to begin with in a 2BR, that SHOULD be enough to get you by until day 4. I'd suggest bringing additional laundry detergent. And you only get enough coffee for one pot, so if you're a coffee drinker, you'll need to bring coffee and basket-style filters. Hope you love SSR as much as we do!

 

[inloveindisney]

we'll be first timers in october too! Great thread!

 

[della]

I have 3 dd and 2 ds. The girls always need more shampoo than what is provided. I also avoid Goodings if I can. It's very close by but just too expensive. Last time we were there we asked at the front desk. They gave us a list of grocery stores. We chose Super Target since my dd's sandals had broken! The front desk will also give you a list of pizza places that deliver to SSR. It is the usual assortment. (And although the front desk says it won't be delivered directly to your room, my experience is that it will be). Have fun!

 

[vandy]

First, remember your check-in date is the first day of your stay, no matter what time of day you arrive so your trash and towel day will include your arrival day. For example, if you check in on Sunday, your trash and towel day will be on Wednesday.

I suggest taking the busses. Sometimes they can run slow, but it does beat driving yourself, especially to the MK. There, you will park, go to the ticket & transportation area, and then to the park. The busses take you straight to the park.

We get our groceries usually at either the Super Wal-Mart or the Winn-Dixie. If you go out the DTD/Hotel row road, you will come to a stop light by the Crossroads Shopping center. At the light, if you take a left, the Winn-Dixie is about a mile down the road. If you take a left, Wal-Mart is about 2-3 miles. I have not tried the Publix. Goodings is the closest and is located in Crossroads, but they are higher priced and I just didn't like it.

 

[3guysandagal]

AVOID GOODINGS AT ALL COSTS!!!

Nothing good to say about it.
Went there once and will never go back.

 

[Belle & Ariel]

You might want to reconsider grocery shopping prior to checking in. What if you have a long wait for your room to be ready and you have milk and frozen things?
We shop late at night when it is not so crowded.

 

[vicki_c]

Bell Services will hold your groceries, even refrigerated items. You just have to ask and make sure to tell them about those bags.

 

[msabol01]

During our last stay we drove to each of the parks. The only regret was the MK, becuase you need to either take a monorail or ferry to the transportation center, then a tram to your car. The crowds were brutal. The resort buses would have been a better option, since they picked up folks right outside the park.

Opinions will very on where the best place to stay at SSR. I like the Springs since you are close to the main pool and mini-shop. Also there is a bus stop nearby.

Enjoy and Welcome Home!

 

[DisneyHog]

This is our first stay at SSR as well, BWV is our home resort but due to unavoidable circumstances we couldn't book early enough to get in and our wait list hasn't come through. Is there a small store to buy necessities (milk, cereal, coffee etc) like there is at BW? We are going for the food and wine festival so won't be eating anything but breakfast at the room and that will be light. Thanks!!!

 

[vicki_c]

Yes, there is a grocery / prepared refrigerated food area at SSR -- right at Artist Point / Gift Shop.

 

[ChesapeakeTechie]

Thanks everyone for your responses! A couple more questions for THIS weekend:

We're driving down and our friends are flying, we'll be arriving first Sunday morning, and will head right to the parks. Our friends will be coming via the Disney Magical Express. Do we need to do anything to get them on the Magical express since they are staying with us? What information do we need to give to the resort about them?


Thanks!

 

[vicki_c]

Thanks everyone for your responses! A couple more questions for THIS weekend:

We're driving down and our friends are flying, we'll be arriving first Sunday morning, and will head right to the parks. Our friends will be coming via the Disney Magical Express. Do we need to do anything to get them on the Magical express since they are staying with us? What information do we need to give to the resort about them?


Thanks!

When you use ME, you get luggage tags mailed to your home in advance -- you have to have signed up for it in advance with your reservation, I think. So I'm not sure how that would work with you driving, them flying -- is the reservation in your name? That sounds a bit confusing, but I've never been in that situation.

 

[Debbie Jean]

Thanks everyone for your responses! A couple more questions for THIS weekend:

We're driving down and our friends are flying, we'll be arriving first Sunday morning, and will head right to the parks. Our friends will be coming via the Disney Magical Express. Do we need to do anything to get them on the Magical express since they are staying with us? What information do we need to give to the resort about them?


Thanks!

I believe they need to be on the reservation itself. If they're not, call member services to add, then request ME. They'll send out the confirmation letter and tags.